Decoy Grenade

Decoy Grenade
Type	Grenade
Team	Both
Price	$50
Base Damage	1 (on detonation)
Fire Rate	—
Magazine / Reserve	— / —
Kill Reward	$300
Movement Speed	245 units/s

The Decoy Grenade is the cheapest grenade in Counter-Strike 2, available to both teams for just $50. It simulates gunfire sounds from the player's most expensive weapon to create false audio information.

Overview

When thrown, the decoy grenade lands and begins emitting gunfire sounds that mimic the weapon the player is currently holding or their most expensive weapon. After approximately 15 seconds, the decoy detonates with a small explosion that deals minor damage. On the minimap, the decoy appears as a red dot to enemies, potentially fooling them into believing a player is at that location.

Mechanics

Duration: ~15 seconds of fake gunfire
Sound: Mimics the player's currently equipped weapon type
Radar: Appears as an enemy player dot on the minimap
Detonation: Small explosion at end of life (1 damage, mostly cosmetic)
Limit: 1 per player per round

Strategic Uses

Fake Presence

The most common use is creating a false presence:

Throw a decoy at one bombsite while attacking another
Makes enemies think players are in a location where nobody is
Especially effective in eco rounds to simulate a presence

Sound Masking

In certain situations, decoys can mask real sounds:

Cover footstep sounds during a rotate
Create confusion about the number of players at a position
Mask the sound of a bomb plant

Eco Round Tool

At $50, the decoy is a staple in eco rounds:

Creates the impression of weapons your team does not actually have
Can delay enemy pushes if they respect the "player" on radar
Virtually free since it costs less than a single flash

Bait

Throw a decoy into a visible position and hold an angle on it
Enemies may peek the "player" and expose themselves to your fire
Works especially well in lower-skill matches

Interaction with Other Grenades

In CS2, decoys have a notable interaction with smoke grenades: enemy decoys inside a smoke cause the smoke to briefly become transparent, allowing players to see through it. This mechanic adds a tactical layer to decoy usage.

Limitations

Experienced players quickly identify decoy sounds (consistent firing pattern)
The radar dot disappears when the decoy detonates
Decoy detonation sound is distinct from actual combat
Picks up gunfire pattern of your equipped weapon — a decoy thrown with a knife equipped plays pistol sounds

Tips

Throw with your rifle out so the decoy mimics rifle fire
At $50, always buy a decoy on eco rounds — there's no reason not to
Combine with flashbangs for convincing fake executes
In post-plant, a decoy on the bomb can briefly confuse CTs about player positioning